Aniva (right) eats with his co-defendants in the courtyard of the court in August

So Aniva was instead charged with engaging in a “harmful cultural practice” under Malawi’s Gender Equality Act, in relation to accusations that he had sex with newly bereaved widows.

Two women came forward to testify against him in this regard – although one said she escaped before he was able to abuse her, while the other claimed her ordeal happened before the practice was outlawed.

The final verdict in the trial is expected to be delivered some time this week.